As part of an excellent Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), we often hear residents say they wished they had moved in sooner. They enjoy their community, they love that they are still learning and trying new things, and they appreciate the peace of mind that their needs will be met, even when those needs change.
A CCRC, which is also referred to as a life plan community, can be a valuable option for seniors. By providing multiple levels of care on the same campus, seniors have the ability to age with choice. As you consider what type of retirement community is right for you, here are five important benefits of living in a CCRC such as National Lutheran Communities & Services’ (NLCS’s) The Village at Providence Point in Annapolis, Maryland:
- Moving is hard. Moving at any age can be exhausting but moving when mobility has become more difficult is especially hard. With a life plan community, you move once, while you’re healthy, and can settle into a community that will meet your needs today and in the future.
- Feeling at home is important. By moving into a retirement community when you’re independent, you can set up a home that’s convenient and comfortable for years to come. Nothing beats your favorite chair or your own bed. Being able to stay in one place that is designed to still be convenient in the future makes life so much easier.
- Friends are priceless. Part of the retirement lifestyle means forming friendships that last. Try a painting class, attend a play, or go shopping with new friends. More and more research shows how essential it is to have social interaction in your senior years. In one study, cognitive decline was reduced by 70 percent in people who socialize frequently.
- Care is available. By moving into a CCRC, residents have the peace of mind of knowing that if their health needs increase, they will have what they need. CCRCs also provide accessible conveniences and services, so even if mobility decreases, residents can remain active and engaged.
- The costs are predictable. By making a decision to live at an NLCS senior living community, there will be no financial surprises. You know what services and amenities are already included. However, at home, you may have to continue to add care services — such as cleaning, lawn care, health services and even personal care — as needs grow greater.
At NLCS, we believe that everyone should achieve his or her full potential at any age, and at our communities and through our services, we provide the resources and inspiration to do it. Our approach honors seniors’ independence in retirement, encourages them to achieve their individual goals, and ensures their homes feature the latest advancements in safety and comfort.
